Update

The WKU-Habitat for Humanity project at Durbin Estate has been recommended for PUD
approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It can now move into the next phase
of implementation. Arnold Consulting and Engineering Services (ACES) will now develop
detailed construction plans for the road and utility layouts and green infrastructure
features, with implementation planned to begin in early spring, 2012. This is a partnership
project between WKU, Habitat for Humanity and many other regional partners. Initial
funding for the integrated green infrastructure was awarded under an EPA 319(h) grant
for nonpoint source pollution prevention, through the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW).
The project is a statewide demonstration for developing a mixed income, mixed use
green affordable housing neighborhood. Important goals of the project included education,
professional training, community outreach, and potentially impacting policy revisions.
Durbin Estate will eventually comprise up to 49 housing units, a community center,
outdoor amphitheater, walking trails, community gardens, rain gardens, edible landscaping,
native species plantings, and increased tree cover.

Habitat for Humanity Green Infrastructure Statewide Demonstraton

The CEES has been awarded a 3-year $655,000 grant 319(h) nonpoint source (NPS) pollution
grant from the Kentucky Division of Water. This is a partnership project between WKU,
Habitat for Humanity and other regional partners. It represents the first phase of
a larger plan to develop a mixed income mixed use affordable housing community that
will eventually comprise up to 50 green housing units, a community center, outdoor
amphitheater, walking trails, community gardens, rain gardens, edible landscaping,
native species plantings and increased tree cover on the site. “This is a wonderful
opportunity to work with WKU and a broad collaboration of community partners to create
a community that will model for us a better way to live,” said Rodney Goodman, Executive
Director for the BG-WC Habitat office.